Benjamin Caranchini, an 18-year-old from Azusa, California, tragically lost his life on December 5, 2022. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. when Caranchini was driving near the intersection of East Newburgh Street and North Donna Beth Avenue. While live-streaming on social media, he was fatally shot in the chest. The gunshot caused him to lose control of his vehicle, leading to a crash into a parked truck.
Despite being rushed to a hospital, Caranchini was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner ruled his death a homicide due to the gunshot wound.
Caranchini's death has been the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Azusa Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau. Authorities have been seeking information from the public to identify the shooter. The investigation revealed that Caranchini had a history of run-ins with law enforcement. In July 2022, he was arrested by Azusa Police, and he was also implicated in a November 2021 attempted murder case. Caranchini had pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle or in public and was scheduled to appear in court shortly after his death.
The attempted murder case involved multiple suspects, including Luis Manuel Barragan and Amadeo Herrera. Barragan faced charges of attempted murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling, while Herrera was charged with being an accessory after the fact. Both suspects pleaded not guilty. The case from November 2021, which left one victim with non-life-threatening injuries, was part of a broader investigation into gang-related activities in the area.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Caranchini's murder. The authorities continue to follow leads and gather evidence to bring those responsible to justice. The community of Azusa remains on edge, hoping for a resolution to this tragic case.
